But despite all courageous opposition: The representatives of the “Belarus Sports Solidarity Foundation” are affected by the collective ban that almost all world federations have imposed on Russian and Belarusian athletes because of the war. BSSF boss Apeikin finds this unfair – and wants to fight against it.
“The Olympic world must be restored”
In the coming week, the BSSF wants to publish a declaration in which around 150 top athletes from Belarus should speak out against the war by name. “We demand the cessation of military action against Ukraine and the withdrawal of troops”says the draft text under the title “Make Sports Not War” (Do sport, not war), which is available to the sports show: “We recognize the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and support the sovereignty of Belarus”writes the BSSF: “The Olympic world must be restored.”
With the declaration, Apeikin and his colleagues want to increase the pressure on the international federations to create exceptions to the rule that now prevents hundreds of athletes worldwide from practicing their profession. Former handball professional Apeikin believes in the effect of a public statement: “It could be a real opportunity.“
Athletes also under financial pressure
He points to the difficult situation of many Belarusian top athletes, who are also coming under increasing financial pressure due to the lack of state subsidies and international banishment. According to Apeikin, many are therefore willing to take a personal risk by signing the declaration.
Since the protests began after Lukashenko’s rigged re-election in the summer of 2020, more than 35,000 opponents of the regime have been arrested in Belarus, including dozens of athletes. BSSF members are under special surveillance. As constant reminders against abuses, you played a key role in the fact that the International Olympic Committee, after long hesitation, imposed sanctions against the one led by Lukashenko at the end of 2020 NOK imposed or that Belarus will notWM allowed to host in 2021.